And for F4, who files the petition?

When it comes to the F4 visa, which is intended for brothers and sisters of United States citizens, the petition is filed by the US citizen themselves, who acts as the sponsor for their brother or sister.

In practice, the US citizen must start the process by completing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, proving the family relationship through documents such as birth certificates and other official records. This step is crucial to establish the necessary family bond for the process to move forward.

It is important that both the sponsor and the visa beneficiary strictly follow the United States immigration laws. It is recommended that the applicant seek guidance from institutions or professionals specialized in the area to avoid mistakes and falling victim to scams or promises of impossible results.

Respect for the law is essential to ensure that the process is conducted correctly and transparently, without unpleasant surprises along the way. Paying close attention to details and gathering all documentation required by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) helps prevent delays and potential future complications.

Thus, even in a context that may seem complex, knowing who must file the petition – in this case, the sponsoring US citizen – is the first step to proceeding with the process safely and reliably.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.